Adjustable-size head covering

ABSTRACT

A head covering, which can be adjusted to accommodate substantially all adult head-sizes, has a plural-section side and releasable securing means to releasably hold the free edges of a lapping section and of a lapped section of that side in selectively different lapped positions. The lower end of the free edge of the lapping section of the side is spaced below the lower edge of the lapped section of that side, whenever those sections are unstressed and are in a condition of minimum lapping; but that lower end of that free edge engages and slightly raises the lower edge of that lapped section whenever those sections are in a condition of maximum lapping. A tab, carried by the lapping section of the side, requires the free edge of the lapped section of the side to be passed inwardly of the free edge of the lapping section of said side, and thus makes certain that the free edge of the lapped section is overlain and concealed by the free edge of the lapping section.

United States Patent ,7 1

Henschel et al.

[ June 12, 1973 ADJUSTABLE-SIZE HEAD COVERING [76] Inventors: Joseph Henschel, 7481 Cornell, St.

Louis, Mo. 63130; Edward Henschel, 8725 Warner, St. Louis, Mo. 63117 [22] Filed: Aug. 16, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 171,936

[52] U.S. Cl. 2/197 [51] Int. Cl A42b l/22 [58] Field of Search 2/197, 195, 198,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,775,769 1/1957 Henschel 2/197 1,399,726 12/1921 Werner 2/197 3,357,027 12/1967 Feil 2/198 2,010,107 8/1935 Probst 2/197 2,556,807 6/1951 Goldman. 2/197 1,997,678 4/1935 Cremen 2/200 2,458,275 l/l949 Kriebel 2/197 1,534,421 4/1925 Smith 2/197 1,702,427 2/1929 Blum 2/197 1,886,992 11/1932 Wagenfeld ..2/197 l imiem ifiep aq K l ari it Attorney- Edmund C. Rogers, Estill E. Ezell, Rey 'Eilers et al.

ABSTRACT lapping section ofthe side is spaced below the lower.

edge of the lapped section of that side, whenever those sections are unstressed and are in a condition of minimum lapping; but that lower end of that free edge engages and slightly raises the lower edge of that lapped section whenever those sections are in a condition of maximum lapping. A tab, carried by the lapping section of the side, requires the free edge of the lapped section of the side to be passed inwardly of the free edge of the lapping section of said side, and thus makes certain that the free edge of the lapped section is overlain and concealed by the free edge of the lapping section.

9 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PATENTEU JUNI 21973 SHEET 1 OF 2 FIG.

PATENIE m1 2 197.5

SHEET 2 [IF 2 340 FIG. 6.

FIG.

ADJUSTABLE-SIZE liIlEAll) (IOVERING FIELD OF THE INVENTION Head coverings usually are made in specific sizes to accommodate specific head-sizes; and the problem of maintaining a stock of head coverings in various specific head-sizes can be troublesome, because of the cost of purchasing and stocking adequate quantities of each size of head covering. The problem is multiplied by the desire of the public for head coverings of different colors, styles and materials. The cost of purchasing and stocking adequate quantities of each size of head covering can be reduced by providing a head covering which can be adjusted to accommodate many different head-sizes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART:

In recognition of the advantages which could be afforded by a head covering that could be adjusted to accommodate many different head-sizes, head coverings have been made which had portions of the rear of the sides thereof cut-away, and which had adjusting straps spanning the cut-away portions. By adjusting the lengths of the adjusting straps of those head coverings, it is possible to adjust the head-sizes of those head coverings. However, many persons feel that the cut-away portions at. the rear of the sides of the head coverings materially detract from the appearances of those head coverings. Other head coverings have been made which had plural-section sides and wherein the free edge of one section of the side overlapped the free edge of the other section of that side; and such head coverings did not have the cut-away portions at the rear of the sides thereof which some persons feel are unsightly. Head coverings with lapped plural-section sides reduced the problem of purchasing and stocking adequate quantities of each size of head covering; because such head coverings were made in two size ranges to accommodate essentially all adult head-sizes. Specifically, head coverings with lapped plural-section sides were made in one size range covering head-sizes from six and threequarters to seven and one-eighth, and were made in a second size range covering head-sizes from seven and one-quarter to seven and five-eighths. While such head coverings materially reduced the problem of purchasing and stocking adequate quantities of each size of head covering, unattractive and objectionable wrinkling of the free edges of the sections of the sides of those head coverings was noted; particularly in those instances where the sections of the sides were lapped to accommodate head-sizes close to the upper or the lower end of the adult head-size range. An attempt was made to use one of the large size-range lapping-section head coverings to accommodate all head-sizes in the adult head-size range; but the wrinkling of the free edges of the sections of the side of that head covering was very objectionable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention provides a head covering which can be adjusted to accommodate essentially all head-sizes in the range of adult head-sizes; and yet that head covering is free of objectionable wrinkling. That head covering has a plural section side; and the free edges of those sections overlap each other in all headsizes. The lower end of the free edge of the lapping section of the side of the head covering is spaced below the lower edge of the lapped section of the side whenever those sections are in unstressed condition and are set to accommodate a large head. The lower end of the free edge of the lapping section of the side will engage, and will slightly raise, the lower edge of the lapped section whenever those sections are set to accommodate a small head. Any wrinkling which might occur in that head covering will essentially be restricted to the free edge of the lapped section of the side; and such wrinkling will be largely, if not completely, concealed by the free edge of the lapping section of the side. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a head covering with a plural-section side wherein the lower end of the free edge of the lapping section is spaced below the lower edge of the lapped section of the side whenever those sections are in unstressed condition and are set to accommodate a large head, but engages and slightly raises the lower edge of the lapped section whenever those sections are set to accommodate a small head.

Securing means are provided to releasably hold the ends of the lapping and lapped sections of the side of the head covering in selectively different lapped positions; and those securing means include an elongated fastening strip which is carried by the lapped section of the side and a shorter fastening strip which is carried by the lapping section of that side. The elongated fastening strip is secured to the inner surface of the portion of the sweat band which is on the lapped section of the side, but the shorter fastening strip is secured to the outer face of the portion of the sweat band which is on the lapping section of that side; and the free end of the portion of the sweat band which is on the lapping section of the side must be disposed inwardly of, and must confront, the portion of the sweat band which is on the lapped section of that side. To enable the lapped and lapping sections of the side to provide a smooth and attractive appearance for the rear of the head covering, the free end of the lapped section of that side must fit into the space between the outer surface of the lapping section and the outer surface of the portion of the sweat band which is on that lapping section. To make certain that each sales person and each potential buyer of the head covering will insert the free end of the lapped section of the side into the space between the outer surface of the lapping section and the outer surface of the portion of the sweat band which is on that lapping section, the present invention provides a tab at the outer surface of the lapping section of the side adjacent the free edge of that lapping section. That tab will overlie the exposed portion of the fastening strip which is carried on the lapping section, and thus will keep any sales person or potential buyer of the head covering from securing the free end of the lapped section of the side to the lapping section of that side while the free edge of that lapped section is disposed outwardly of the outer surface of that lapping section. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a tab at the outer surface of the lapping section of the side of a head covering which will keep sales persons or potential buyers of that head covering from securing the free end of the lapped section of that side to the lapping section of that side while the free edge of that lapped section is disposed outwardly of the outer surface of that lapping section.

Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention should become apparent from an examination of the drawing and accompanying description.

In the drawing and accompanying description a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described but it is to be understood that the drawing and accompanying description are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the invention and that the invention will be defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of cap that is made in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a sectional view, on a larger scale, through the cap of FIG. 1, and it is taken along the plane indicated by the line 22 in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a partially broken-away, partially sectioned view, on the scale of FIG. 2, through the cap of FIG. 1, and it is taken along the plane indicated by the line 3-3 of FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 is a sectional view, on the scale of FIG. 2, through the cap of FIG. 1, and it is taken along the plane indicated by the line 44 in FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, on the scale of FIG. 1, of a portion of the interior of the cap of FIG. 1 as that portion appears in inverted position,

FIG. 6 is a partially broken-away, partially sectioned view, on the scale of FIG. 2, of the interior of part of the lapping section of the side of the cap of FIG. 1, and it shows the sweat band folded outwardly away from that interior,

FIG. 7 is a view which is similar to that of FIG. 6 but wherein the sweat band abuts the inner surface of the lapping section, I

FIG. 8 is a sectional view, on the scale of FIG. 2, through the lapping section of the cap shown in FIG. 1, and it is taken along the plane indicated by the line 88 in FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 is a partially broken-away view, on the scale of FIG. 2, of a portion of the interior of the lapped section of the cap of FIG. 1, and it shows that portion in inverted position,

FIG. 10 is a sectional view, on the scale of FIG. 2, through the lapped section of the cap of FIG. 1, and it is taken along the plane indicated by the line 10-10 in FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 is a schematic view which shows the two sections of the side of the cap of FIG. 1 in developed form, and

FIG. 12 is a view which is similar to that of FIG. 2 but wherein the tab is secured to the cap in a different manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT:

Referring to the drawing in detail, the numeral generally denotes one preferred embodiment of cap that is made in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention. That cap has a generally ovate tip 22 which extends forwardly and downwardly to a visor 24. The numeral 26 denotes one section of the side of the cap 20; and that section is secured to the tip 22 by an elongated strip 27 of fabric. The lower edge of the section 26 is folded under and extends upwardly along the inner face of a stiffening strip 28. The numeral 30 denotes the sweat band of the cap 20; and that sweat band has the upper and lower edges thereof folded over the upper and lower edges, respectively, of a stiffening strip 32. One end of that sweat band and one end of that stiffening strip are bent inwardly and then back on themselves along the line 42 in FIGS. 3, 4 and 9; and those ends are held by stitching 33 and 35.

The numeral 34 denotes a strip of fabric or plastic which is approximately 4 inches long and which preferably has a light color. That strip abuts the inner face of the sweat band 30; but it has the upper edge thereof extending a short distance above the upper edge of that sweat band. The lower edge of the strip 34 passes under the lower edge of the sweat band 30 and extends upwardly between the upwardly directed lower edge of that sweat band and the upwardly directed lower edge of the section 26, as shown particularly by FIG. 2. The numeral 36 denotes a short, relatively narrow strip of fastening material which is capable of receiving and releasably holding the hooks of fastening material sold under the trademark VELCRO. As indicated by FIG. 2, the strip 36 is only about one-third as wide as the strip 34; and, as indicated by FIG. 9, the strip 36 is shorter than the strip 34.

The stitches 33 are continuous and they extend throughout the length of the section 26 of the side of the cap 20; and those stitches securely interconnect the sweat band 30, the stiffening strip 32, the section 26, and the stiffening strip 28. The stitches 35 are continuous and they extend throughout the length of the sweat band 30 and which effectively interconnect that sweat band and that stiffening strip. The numeral 38 denotes stitching of the open zig-zag type which secures the fastening strip 36 and the strip 34 to the sweat band 30 and the stiffening strip 32. That stitching is located intermediate the upper and lower edges of the fastening strip 36; and hence those upper and lower edges are free. Because the stitching 38 is open-type zig-zag stitching, and because that stitching leaves the upper and lower edges of the fastening strip 36 free, that fastening strip can respond to externally applied forces to twist and distort slightly relative to the strip 34, the sweat band 30 and the stiffening strip 32.

The numeral 40 denotes a binding which defines the free edge of the section 26 of the side of the cap 20; and that binding is shown particularly by FIGS. 3-5 and 9. That binding provides a smooth and attractive appearance, as well as a smooth feel, for the free edge of the section 26.

The numeral 44 denotes a second section of the side of the cap 20; and the upper edge of that section is secured to the tip 22 by the elongated strip 27 of fabric. The free edge of the section 44 is denoted by the numeral 46; and that free edge is inclined at an acute angle to the plane of the tip 22, as indicated particularly by FIGS. 1, 3 and 5. The numeral 47 denotes a binding at the free edge 46 of the section 44 of the side of the cap 20; and that binding is shown particularly by FIGS. 4 and 68. A stiffening strip 48 is provided at the free edge 46 of the section 44, and that stiffening strip is encased by the binding 47, as shown by FIGS. 4 and 8.

The stiffening strip 28, the sweat band 30 and the stiffening strip 32 are secured to the lower edge of the section 44 by the stitches 33, as shown particularly by FIGS. 2 and 9. The portion of the sweat band 30 and the portion of the stiffening strip 32 which are secured to the section 44 of the side of the cap 20 have the free ends thereof bent inwardly and then back on themselves at the line 52. The numeral 56 denotes a strip of hook-type fastening material sold under the trademark VELCRO, and that strip is releasably engageable with the fastening strip 36. Stitching 55 connects the strip 56 of hook-type fastening material to the bent back portions of stiffening strip 32 and of sweat band 30, and also connects those bent back portions to the adjacent portions of stiffening strip 32 and of sweat band 30. Like the stitching 38, the stitching 55 is of the open zigzag type. Further, the stitching 55 is located intermediate the upper and lower edges of the strip 56 of hooktype fastening material; and hence those upper and lower edges are free. Because the stitching 55 is opentype zig-zag stitching, and because that stitching leaves the upper and lower edges of the strip 56 of hook-type fastening material free, that strip can respond to externally applied forces to twist and distort slightly relative to the sweat band 30 and the stiffening strip 32.

The numeral 58 denotes a generally rectangular tab of stiff paper which is secured to the section 44 of the side of the cap by staples 60 and that tab is shown by solid lines in FIG. 2, but it is shown by dotted lines in FIG. 1 to enable FIG. 1 to show the appearance of the rear of the cap 20 after that tab has been removed. That tab is readily separated from the section 44 by the removal of those staples. As indicated particularly by FIG. 1, the tab 58 is disposed adjacent to, but projects laterally to the left of, the free edge of the section 44. As a result, that tab overlies the portion of the strip 56 of hook-type fastening material which is not overlain by the outer surface of the section 44.

The sweat band 30 extends from the free edge 40 of the section 26 of the side of the cap 20 along the full length of the lower edge of that section, extends along the lower edge of the portion of the tip 22 which extends down to and is sewn to the visor 24, and extends along the full length of the lower edge of the section 44 of that side to the free edge 46 of that section. The stiffening strip 32 is coextensive :with the sweat band 30; and that sweat band overlies the inner surface of that stiffening strip, and thereby presents a smooth and comfortable surface to the wearers head. The stiffening strip 28 extends from the free edge 40 of the section 26 of the side of the cap 20 along the full length of the lower edge of that section, extends along the lower edge of the portion of the tip 22 which extends down to and is secured to the visor 24, and extends along the full length of the lower edge of the section 44 of that side to the free edge 46 of that section. The stiffening strips 28 and 32 coact with the folded lower edges of the sections 26 and 44 of the side of the cap 20 and with the sweat band 30 to provide the desired body for the lower edge of that cap. The stiffening strip 48 coacts with the binding 47 to provide a desirable stiffncss for the inclined free edge 46 of the section 44 of the side of cap 20.

As indicated particularly by FIGS. 3 and 9, the strip 34 has the following markings thereof: 6%, 67a, 7, 7%, 7%, 7%, 7% and 7%. Those markings indicate the places where the reentrant end 52 of the sweat band 30 should be placed to enable the cap 20 to accommodate heads of different sizes. Specifically, when the reentrant end 52 of the sweat band 30 is set adjacent the marking 6%, the cap 20 will accommodate the head of a person who wears a 6%-size cap. If, as indicated by FIG. 3, the reentrant end 52 of the sweat band 30 is set adjacent the marking 7%, that cap will accommodate the head of a person who wears a 7%-size cap.

FIG. 11 indicates, by solid lines, the developed positions of the sections 26 and 44 of the side of the cap 20 when those sections are in condition of minimum lapping, and thus enable that cap to accommodate a 7 size head. As indicated particularly by FIG. 11, the upper end of the free edge 46 of the section 44 always laps the upper end of the free edge 40 of the section 26; and, in the said one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper end of the free edge 46 of the section 44 always laps the upper end of the free edge 40 of the section 26 by about five-eighths of an inch. When the sections 44 and 26, of the said one preferred embodiment of the present invention, are in the condition of maximum lapping, the lower end of the free edge 46 of the section 44 laps the lower end of the free edge 40 of the section 26 by about 5% inches; and, when those sections are in the condition of minimum lapping, the lower end of the free edge 46 of the section 44 laps the lower end of the free edge 40 of the section 26 by about 3 inches.

The upper end of the free edge 46 of the section 44 is connected to the upper end of the free edge 40 of the section 26 by the elongated strip 27 of fabric at the point 61 in FIG. 1 l; and that point acts as a pivot about which the free edge 46 of the section 44 and the free edge 40 of the section 26 can pivot relative to each other. Although the free edge 40 of the section 26 could be held stationary while the free edge 46 of the section 44 was pivoted relative to it about the point 61, and although the free edge 40 of section 26 and the free edge 46 of section 44 could be simultaneously pivoted relative to each other about the point 61, FIG. 11 shows the free edge 40 of the section 26 being pivoted relative to the free edge 46 of the section 44 about the point 61.

In the solid-line position in FIG. 11, which represents a condition of minimum lapping of the free edges 46 and 40 of the sections 44 and 26, and thus provides a 7% head size, the lower end of the free edge 46 of the section 44 is spaced almost one-half of an inch below the lower edge of the section 26. At such time, the free edge 40 of the section 26 is subjected to no stress because of the free edge 46 of the section 44; and hence the free edge 40 of the section 26, as well as the free edge 46 of the section 44, can be essentially wrinkle free. Also, at such time, the free edge 46 of the section 44 will provide, and will suggest that the cap 20 provides, a depth which corresponds to a 7%-size head. In the dotted-line position 66 in FIG. 11, which represents a condition close to the solid-line condition of minimum lapping of the free edges 46 and 40 of the sections 44 and 26, and thus provides a 7% head-size, the lower end of the free edge 46 of the section 44 is spaced almost one-quarter of an inch below the lower edge of the section 26. At such time, the free edge 40 of the section 26 is subjected to no stress because of the free edge 46 of the section 44; and hence the free edge 40 of the section 26, as well as the free edge 46 of the sec tion 44, can be essentially wrinkle free. Also, at such time, the free edge 46 of the section 44 will provide, and will suggest that the cap 20 provides, a depth which corresponds to a 7%-size head. In the dotted-line position 68 in FIG. 11, which represents a condition close to maximum lapping of the free edges 46 and 40 of the sections 44 and 26, and thus provides a 7% head-size,

the lower end of the free edge 46 of the section 44 is immediately adjacent the lower edge of the section 26. At such time, the free edge 40 of the section 26 is subjected to no stress because of the free edge 46 of the section 44; and hence the free edge 40 of the section 26, as well as the free edge 46 of the section 44, can be essentially wrinkle free. Also, at such time, the free edge 46 of the section 44 will provide, and will suggest that the cap 20 provides, a depth which corresponds to a 7 /a-size head. The lower edge of the section 26 cannot be moved into the dotted-line position 70 in FIG. 11 which represents a condition of maximum lapping of the free edges 46 and 40 of the sections 44 and 26, and thus provides a 6% head-size because the portion of the section 44 which underlies the lower edge of the section 26 will keep that lower edge from moving downwardly below the level of the dotted line 68. If the lower edge of the section 26 could be moved downwardly into the dotted-line position 70 in FIG. 1, that lower edge would be spaced below the lower end of the free edge 46 of the section 44 a distance less than three-eighths of an inch. However, because the lower edge of the section 26 cannot be moved downwardly into the dotted-line position 70 in FIG. 1, the lower edge of the section 44 will raise the lower edge of the section 26 a short distance; and a slight inward bend will develop in the upper end of the free edge 40 of the section 26 adjacent the point 63 in FIG. 11. That inward bend will be partially overlain and concealed by the free edge 46 of the section 44, and the apparent size of that inward bend will be reduced by a slight downward bending of the portion of the tip 22 adjacent the upper end of the free edge 46 of the section 44. This means that while a slight inward bend will develop in the upper end of the free edge 40 of the section 26 when the cap 20 is adjusted to accommodate head-sizes at the extreme lower end of the range of adult headsizes, that inward bend will not be unattractive or unsightly Further, it means that when the cap 20 is adjusted to accommodate head-sizes in the usual range of adult head-sizes, and even when that cap is adjusted to accommodate very large head-sizes, the rear of that cap will be free of any and all unattractive or unsightly bending or wrinkling.

The markings on the strip 34 correspond to fixed head-sizes; but the cap 20 is not limited to adjustments to fixed head-sizes. Instead, the strip 36 can be set and held in an infinite number of adjusted positions between the minimum lapping position which corresponds to a 7% head-size and the maximum lapping position which corresponds to a 6% head-size.

As the sections 26 and 44 of the side of the cap 20 are pivoted relative to each other about the point 61, to enable that cap to accommodate different headsizes, the angular relation between the lower edges of those sections will change as indicated particularly by FIG. 11. Because the angular relation of those lower edges will change, the angular relation of the fastening strips 36 and 56 will tend to change. However, it would be undesirable to have the fastening strips 36 and 56 angularly displaced relative to each other to any appreciable extent, because such angular displacement would reduce the area of engagement between those fastening strips, and would thereby reduce the total holding force between those fastening strips. In actual practice, the forces which tend to change the angular relationship between the fastening strips 36 and 56, as

the sections 26 and 44 of the side of the cap 20 are pivoted relative to each other about the point 61, have been found to be relatively small. Consequently, the finite but limited skewing, of the fastening strips 36 and 56 relative to the lower edges of sections 26 and 44, which is permitted by the open-type zig-zag stitching 38 and 55 and by the disposition of that stitching inwardly of the free edges of those fastening strips, will permit those fastening strips to remain essentially aligned with each other, even though the lower edges of the sections 26 and 44 are angularly displaced relative to each other to the extent indicated by FIG. 11.

The free edge 40 of the section 26 of the side of the cap 20 must pass inwardly of the outer surface of the section 44, and yet must remain outwardly of the portion of the sweat band 30 which is on the latter section. This is necessary, so the fastening strip 56 will confront and be able to engage the fastening strip 36, and so the reentrantend 42 of the sweat band 30 will be overlain and concealed by the section 44. The positioning of the free edge 40 of the section 26 within the space between the outer surface of the section 44 and the portion of the sweat band 30 which is on the latter section will become instinctive with a person who buys and wears the cap 20 or with a sales person who is accustomed to handling and selling that cap. However, a person who saw the cap 20 for the first time might attempt to leave the reentrant end 42 of the sweat band 30 adjacent the outer face of the section 44 at the time he pressed the fastening strip 56 into engagement with the fastening strip 36. The present invention will automatically keep persons from leaving the reentrant end 42 of the sweat band 30 adjacent the outer face of the section 44 at the time they press the fastening strip 56 into engagement with the fastening strip 36; and it does so by providing the tab 58 adjacent the lower part of the free edge 46 of the section 44. That tab overlies the portion of the fastening strip 56 which extends to the left of the free edge 46, as indicated by FIG. 7; and hence it will keep a person from forcing any part of the fastening strip 36 into engagement with that portion of the strip 56 while the reentrant end 42 of the sweat band 30 is located exteriorly of the outer face of the section 44. Only by passing the reentrant end 42 of the sweat band 30 inwardly of the tab 58 and then into the space between the outer surface of the section 44 and the portion of the sweat band 30 which is on that section, can a person place the fastening strip 36 in engagement with the fastening strip 56. As a result, the present invention will automatically keep a person from improperly interrelating the free edges of the sections 26 and 44 of the side of the cap 20.

FIG. 12 shows a tab 72 which is similar to the tab 58 but which has the lower end thereof passing under the lower edge of the section 44 and held by the stitches 33. Initially the upper portion of that tab will be held adjacent the outer face of the section 44 by staples 74, as indicated by solid lines in FIG. 12. However, after a person has purchased the cap 20, he can remove the staples 74 and then bend the tab 72 inwardly of the sweat band 30; as indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 12. Where this is done, that person need not separate the tab 72 from the cap 20.

The taps 58 and 72 will preferably have instructions printed thereon to advise sales persons and potential buyers how to adjust the caps 20 to accommodate different head-sizes. In the said one preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the tabs 58 and 72 has an arrow that points downwardly toward the lower edge of the section 44 of the side of the cap 20; and the tip of that arrow is adjacent the lower end of the free edge 46 of that section and adjacent the reentrant end 52 of the sweat band 30. The following legend appears adjacent that arrow: PLACE END OF SWEAT BAND ON'DESIRED SIZE.

The tab 72 will preferably be made from a material that can be washed and cleaned repeatedly; and, where that is done, the cap 20 will be very usable by uniformrenting businesses. That cap will have the free ends of the sections 26 and 44 thereof separated before it is washed and cleaned; and the instructions printed on the tab 72 will advise each succeeding user of that cap how to adjust that cap to his head-size.

As indicated particularly by FIG. 2, the lower edge of the section 26 is bent sharply around the stiffening strip 28; and the stiffening strip 32, the sweat band 30, and the fastening strip 36 are sewn tightly to each other and to the lower edge of that section. Consequently, the total thickness of the folded lower edge of section 26, of the stiffening strip 28, of the stiffening strip 32, and of the sweat band 30 is less than three-sixteenths of an inch. In contrast, the lower edge of the section 44 has a much greater thickness because of the portion thereof that passes beneath the lower edge of the section 26, as indicated particularly by FIG. 2. In the minimal lapped position indicated by solid lines in FIG. 11, the portion of section 44 which passes beneath the lower edge of the section 26 will be gently convex in configuration; and thus will tend to minimize the fact that the vertical dimension of the free end of the section 44 is greater than the vertical dimension of the free end of the section 26. Also, the portion of the section 44 which passes beneath the lower edge of the section 26 will provide a suggestion of ample diameter and of ample depth for the rear of the side of the cap 20. Similarly, in the lapped position indicated by the dotted lines 66 in FIG. 11 the portion of section 44 which passes beneath the lower edge of the section 26 will be gently convex in configuration. In the lapped positions indicated by the dotted lines 68 and 70 in FIG. 11, the portion of section 44 which passes beneath the lower edge of the section 26 will closely engage that lower edge; and thus will provide a neat and fitted appearance for the rear of the side of the cap 20.

The present invention is usable with many different kinds and styles of head coverings. For example, that invention is usable with Ivy League caps, visor-type military hats, student caps, aviators caps, multi-panel caps, slit-brim hats, baseball caps, and caps for other sports.

The use of VELCRO-type material is desirable; because such material permits the cap 20 to accommodate an infinite number of head-sizes. Also, the use of such material is desirable, because it permits that cap to have the free edges of the sections 26 and 44 of the side thereof easily separated when that cap is to be put in a washing machine for washing. However, if desired, other type of separable fastening means could be substituted for the fastening strips 36 and 56 of VELCRO- like material.

The present invention makes it possible for a single cap to accommodate all adult head-sizes in the range from 6% to 7% without objectionable wrinkling. That invention also makes it possible for a single cap to be made so it can accommodate all childrenss and boys head-sizes without objectionable wrinkling. As a result, the present invention nicely solves the problem of maintaining a stack of head coverings for various headsizes.

Whereas the drawing and accompanying description have shown and described a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the form of the invention without affecting the scope thereof.

What I claim is:

1. A head covering which is adjustable to fit heads of different sizes and which has a plural-section side, one section of said side having a free edge which inclines downwardly in a predetermined direction from the upper edge to the lower edge of said section, a second section of said side having a free edge which extends downwardly from the upper edge to the lower edge of said second section, said one section of said side extending toward and having said free edge thereof lapping said free edge of said second section of said side, said sections of said side having said free edges thereof pivotable relative to each other about a point close to the upper end of said free edge of said one section of said side, fastening means on said one section of said side adjacent said free edge of said one section of said side, and further fastening means on said second section of said side in register with the first said fastening means,said first said and said further fastening means being selectively securable together to fixedly hold said free edge of said one section of said side in a position of maximum lapping or in a position of minimum lapping or in any of a plurality of intermediate lapping positions relative to said free edge of said second section of said side, said sections of said side being so dimensioned and said free edge of said one section of said side being so inclined that the lower end of said free edge of said one section of said side is spaced a finite distance below and out of engagement with the lower edge of said second section of said side and said free edge of said one section of said side is substantially inclined in said predetermined direction and said free edge of said one section of said side laps and conceals said free edge of said second section of said side whenever both of said sections of said side are unstressed and said sections of said side are pivoted toward said position of minimum lapping to enable said head cover-- ing to accommodate a large head, said sections of said side being so dimensioned and said free edge of said one section of said side being so inclined that said lower end of said free edge of said one section of said side is moved upwardly and raises said lower edge of said second section of said side and said free edge of said one section of said side is essentially inclined in said predetermined direction and said free edge of said one section of said side laps and conceals said free edge of said second section of said side whenever said sections of said side are pivoted toward said position of maximum lapping to enable said head covering to accommodate a small head, said first said and said further fastening means being overlain and concealed by said sections of said side whenever said head covering is on a users head.

2. A head covering as claimed in claim 1 wherein the vertical dimension of said one section of said side, adjacent said free edge of said one section of said side, is

appreciably greater than the vertical dimension of said second section of said side adjacent said free edge of said second section of said side, whenever said sections of said side are in said position of minimum lapping.

3. A head covering as claimed in claim 1 wherein said free edge of said one section of said side has stiffening thereat to minimize wrinkling of said free edge of said one section of said side.

4. A head covering as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first said fastening means and said further fastening means fixedly hold said one section of said side and said second section of said side in assembled relation while permitting finite but limited angular displacement of said one section of said side and of said second section of said side relative to each other.

5. A head covering as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lower edge of said one section of said side inclines downwardly and away from the lower edge of said second section of said side adjacent said free edge of said one section of said side whenever said sections of said side are pivoted toward said position of minimum lapping, wherein said lower edge of said one section of said side inclines upwardly and toward said lower edge of said second section of said side adjacent said free edge of said one section of said side whenever said sections of said side are pivoted toward said position of maximum lapping, and wherein said lower edge of said one section of said side raises said lower edge of said second section whenever said sections of said side are pivoted toward said position of maximum lapping.

6. A head covering as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sections of said side reduce the effective head-size of said head covering and simultaneously reduce the effective vertical dimension of said side adjacent said free edge of said one section of said side as said sections of said side are shifted from said condition of minimum lapping to said condition of maximum lapping.

7. A head covering which is adjustable to fit heads of different sizes and which has a plural-section side, one section of said side extending toward and having the free edge thereof lapping the free edge of a second section of said side, a sweat band extending along the inner surfaceof said one section of said side and extending along the inner surface of said second section of said side, said free edge of said one section of said side being disposed outwardly of said second section of said side while the portion of said sweat band which extends along said inner surface of said one section of said side is disposed inwardly of the portion of said sweat band which extends along said inner surface of said second section of said side, wherein a tab is secured to said one section of said side adjacent said free edge of said one section of said side, said tab requiring said free edge of said second section of said side to be telescoped into position between said free edge of said one section of said side and said portion of said sweat band which extends along said inner surface of said one section of said side wherein releasable securing means on said one and on said second sections of said side releasably hold said sections of said side in different lapping position, and wherein said tab is generally in register with, and conceals, said releasable securing means on said one section of said side.

8. A head covering as claimed in claim 7 wherein said tab is releasably secured to said one section of said side and is readily separated from said one section of said side.

9. A head covering as claimed in claim 7 wherein said tab is permanently secured to said one section of said side, and wherein the upper portion of said tab is foldable downwardly under the lower edge of said one section of said side and then upwardly into the interior of said head covering. 

1. A head covering which is adjustable to fit heads of different sizes and which has a plural-section side, one section of said side having a free edge which inclines downwardly in a predetermined direction from the upper edge to the lower edge of said section, a second section of said side having a free edge which extends downwardly from the upper edge to the lower edge of said second section, said one section of said side extending toward and having said free edge thereof lapping said free edge of said second section of said side, said sections of said side having said free edges thereof pivotable relative to each other about a point close to the upper end of said free edge of said one section of said side, fastening means on said one section of said side adjacent said free edge of said one section of said side, and further fastening means on said second section of said side in register with the first said fastening means,said first said and said further fastening means being selectively securable together to fixedly hold said free edge of said one section of said side in a position of maximum lapping or in a position of minimum lapping or in any of a plurality of intermediate lapping positions relative to said free edge of said second section of said side, said sections of said side being so dimensioned and said free edge of said one section of said side being so inclined that the lower end of said free edge of said one section of said side is spaced a finite distance below and out of engagement with the lower edge of said second section of said side and said free edge of said one section of said side is substantially inclined in said predetermined direction and said free edge of said one section of said side laps and conceals said free edge of said second section of said side whenever both of said sections of said side are unstressed and said sections of said side are pivoted toward said position of minimum lapping to enable said head covering to accommodate a large head, said sections of said side being so dimensioned and said free edge of said one section of said side being so inclIned that said lower end of said free edge of said one section of said side is moved upwardly and raises said lower edge of said second section of said side and said free edge of said one section of said side is essentially inclined in said predetermined direction and said free edge of said one section of said side laps and conceals said free edge of said second section of said side whenever said sections of said side are pivoted toward said position of maximum lapping to enable said head covering to accommodate a small head, said first said and said further fastening means being overlain and concealed by said sections of said side whenever said head covering is on a user''s head.
 2. A head covering as claimed in claim 1 wherein the vertical dimension of said one section of said side, adjacent said free edge of said one section of said side, is appreciably greater than the vertical dimension of said second section of said side adjacent said free edge of said second section of said side, whenever said sections of said side are in said position of minimum lapping.
 3. A head covering as claimed in claim 1 wherein said free edge of said one section of said side has stiffening thereat to minimize wrinkling of said free edge of said one section of said side.
 4. A head covering as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first said fastening means and said further fastening means fixedly hold said one section of said side and said second section of said side in assembled relation while permitting finite but limited angular displacement of said one section of said side and of said second section of said side relative to each other.
 5. A head covering as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lower edge of said one section of said side inclines downwardly and away from the lower edge of said second section of said side adjacent said free edge of said one section of said side whenever said sections of said side are pivoted toward said position of minimum lapping, wherein said lower edge of said one section of said side inclines upwardly and toward said lower edge of said second section of said side adjacent said free edge of said one section of said side whenever said sections of said side are pivoted toward said position of maximum lapping, and wherein said lower edge of said one section of said side raises said lower edge of said second section whenever said sections of said side are pivoted toward said position of maximum lapping.
 6. A head covering as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sections of said side reduce the effective head-size of said head covering and simultaneously reduce the effective vertical dimension of said side adjacent said free edge of said one section of said side as said sections of said side are shifted from said condition of minimum lapping to said condition of maximum lapping.
 7. A head covering which is adjustable to fit heads of different sizes and which has a plural-section side, one section of said side extending toward and having the free edge thereof lapping the free edge of a second section of said side, a sweat band extending along the inner surface of said one section of said side and extending along the inner surface of said second section of said side, said free edge of said one section of said side being disposed outwardly of said second section of said side while the portion of said sweat band which extends along said inner surface of said one section of said side is disposed inwardly of the portion of said sweat band which extends along said inner surface of said second section of said side, wherein a tab is secured to said one section of said side adjacent said free edge of said one section of said side, said tab requiring said free edge of said second section of said side to be telescoped into position between said free edge of said one section of said side and said portion of said sweat band which extends along said inner surface of said one section of said side wherein releasable securing means on said one and on said second sections of said side releasably hold said sections of said side in different lapping position, and wherein said tab is generally in register with, and conceals, said releasable securing means on said one section of said side.
 8. A head covering as claimed in claim 7 wherein said tab is releasably secured to said one section of said side and is readily separated from said one section of said side.
 9. A head covering as claimed in claim 7 wherein said tab is permanently secured to said one section of said side, and wherein the upper portion of said tab is foldable downwardly under the lower edge of said one section of said side and then upwardly into the interior of said head covering. 